Ireland handed Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup entry

Ireland have been handed an unexpected entry into the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, which will be held in England later this year.

The side had missed out on qualifying for the tournament, originally due to take place in November last year but postponed due to Covid-19 issues, but Norway have been forced to withdraw due to their preparations being disrupted by the pandemic.

The games will be played in London, Sheffield and Manchester between 15 October and 19 November.

Ireland will be in Group A alongside, Australia, England and Spain. Their opening game will be against Spain at the Copper Box Arena, London on 3 November.

The qualification process had involved nations submitting entries and they were judged on a range of criteria such as current international and domestic infrastructure and plans for growth.

"We are absolutely delighted with the news that the Ireland Wheelchair team will now participate in the World Cup later this year," said Jim Reynolds, Rugby League Ireland chairperson.

"The opportunity to put on the green shirt for their country could not be better timed with our 2022 drive to raise participation in Wheelchair Rugby League in Ireland."